History of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Omaha and suburbs . nds, and would fret and become remained the full term of four years, and wit-nessed the Churches on the District growingsteadily in numbers and influence. The Society had recently occupied the newchapel on Seventeenth street, and there was aprevailing opinion among the worshipers, that apreacher of sterling qualities was needed for thepulpit. A small sum was spent in telegraphingthe bishop having jurisdiction and others as theysought the right man. Six weeks were consumedin the canvass before an announcement of succes
History of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Omaha and suburbs . nds, and would fret and become remained the full term of four years, and wit-nessed the Churches on the District growingsteadily in numbers and influence. The Society had recently occupied the newchapel on Seventeenth street, and there was aprevailing opinion among the worshipers, that apreacher of sterling qualities was needed for thepulpit. A small sum was spent in telegraphingthe bishop having jurisdiction and others as theysought the right man. Six weeks were consumedin the canvass before an announcement of successcould be made. But a man of commanding pres-ence and ability was selected, in the person ofGilbert De La Matyr, who, upon his coming, wasnot disappointing, but, the rather, was receivedwith great favor, and at once was acknowledgedas the right man. 62 METHODISM IN OMAHA. Mr. De La Matyr was a transfer, and for thisreason was regarded by older Methodist pastorswith a little jealousy. Indeed it had become a rulethat the First Church must have a preacher for its. REV. GILI5ERT DE LA MATVR. pulpit of such reputation as none in the Conferencepossessed; and for this reason stood almost aloneand without sympathy from pastors outside of thecity. Whatever of detriment may have come from 63 • METHODISM IN OMAHA. this source could hardly be avoided, as church-goers made the demand. And if the pulpit had notbeen manned with the equal of other city pastors,many would forsake the congregation and go else-where for entertainment. The new pastors austere appearance and rareability might have kept the people aloof; but hiskind heart and affability soon assured them that hecould get down and receive them as humbly andcheerfully as if they were akin. Exhibitions ofmutual appreciation were soon apparent, andalmost from the outset every indication wasfavorable. He was a western man and had notrouble in adjusting himself to the conditions ashe found them, as he philosophically took in b}his good
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